About this guideWhat it is, and what it is not.

Why this guide exists

A free, plain-language guide to apostilles: which countries use them, who issues them, what they cost and how to get one. Every fact links to the original source it comes from.

Information about apostilles is spread over hundreds of government pages in many languages, and it changes. This guide brings it together in one place, in the same order for every country, and says where each fact comes from and when it was checked.

What you can do here

• Check two countries: does an apostille work between them?
• Find a country: who issues apostilles there and how to apply.
• Learn how apostilles work, in four steps.
• Look up a document type, from birth certificates to powers of attorney.
• Compare costs published by the issuing offices.
• Follow the news when countries join or rules change.

What this guide is not

Not affiliated with the HCCH or any government.

This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Rules change, and the office that receives your document decides what it accepts. Always check with the issuing authority and with the people who will receive your document.

The guide is not a government website and does not issue apostilles. Only the offices named on each country page can do that. It does not link to companies that sell apostille or legalisation services.

How the content is made

Facts come from the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), from the offices that issue apostilles and from the law itself. The fact-checking page explains the process, our rules say what we will and will not do, and the corrections list shows every material change.

The guide is free to use and needs no account.